PRESS RELEASE: Early Learning Coalition Of Hillsborough County Board Of Directors Announces Finalist, Dr. Fred Hicks, As Next Chief Executive Officer
TAMPA, FL (Monday, October 17, 2022) – The Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County (ELCHC) Board of Directors announced on September 9, 2022 the hiring of Christopher Gomez and Spirit Consulting to identify the next Chief Executive Officer.
During the October 17th Board Meeting, the Board interviewed three finalists and then voted Dr. Fred Hicks as the next Chief Executive Officer in a majority vote. ELCHC Board Chair, Aakash Patel said, “I would like to thank the Board of Directors who spent today interviewing the finalists. We had an amazing selection of finalists, making the decision extremely difficult, and are proud to announce the selection of Dr. Fred Hicks as our next CEO. His extensive background in early learning will be a game changer for our organization. I cannot wait for Hillsborough County to get to know Dr. Fred Hicks!”
Dr. Hicks currently holds the position of SVP of Technology & Cybersecurity from the Early Learning Coalition of Miami Dade. Hicks said “Thank you to the Board of Directors, I am both humbled and ready to serve all the children, especially those birth to five to ensure that they are ready for both school and life. I came from an economically disenfranchised zip code, and I made it. I look forward to having you partner with me to give the necessary tools to the children of Hillsborough County, so they can make it. We need a thriving community focused on children first. I am energized to lead the charge of all early care and education professionals in their service of our most precious minds, together we must collaborate to overcome all the challenges facing children. I am ready to serve, and I am ready to lead. I hope you will match my energy in this life work.”
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Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County (ELCHC)
Established by the State Legislature, the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County (ELCHC) is a 501(c)(3) organization focused on promoting school and life success for young children and their families through quality school readiness services and supports. The ELCHC administers School Readiness and VPK (Voluntary Prekindergarten) programs in Hillsborough County, offers teacher trainings and coaching, and provides Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) along with other services that daily serve more than 22,000 children and their families.
Contact: Alison Fraga
Phone: 813.205.6205
Email: afraga@elchc.org